Germany:2 PhD Studentships (Neural Multimodal Integration and Neural Speech Localisation)

The Knowledge Technology Research Group has open positions for
2 PhD Studentships (Neural Multimodal Integration and Neural Speech Localisation)
The Knowledge Technology Research Group is looking to fill two fulltime PhD studentships funded by the DFG in the context of the International Research Training Group CINACS ( http://www.cinacs.org/ ) . This project offers a 3-year doctoral programme based at the University of Hamburg and at Tsinghua University, Beijing. The dissertation projects will be carried out at the University of Hamburg. A part of the studies (a few months) can be performed at Tsinghua University. The interdisciplinary programme provides exciting research opportunities in multisensory perception and cross-modal information processing.

Responsibilities:
The candidate is expected to conduct research in the area of Knowledge Technology and Neural Network Robotics. In these two projects we are particularly focused on working to-wards a) neural multimodal integration based on the superior colliculus and b) neural sound localisation for speech processing based on the inferior colliculus. We use an attractive humanoid robot scenario where humanoid robots interact with humans based on multimodal information. This includes the integration of an ambient environment with new cognitive humanoid robots.

Requirements:
Academic degree preferably in computer science or related qualifying the holder to carry out the above-mentioned responsibilities. In particular, an MSc or equivalent in computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering or equivalent is essential. Knowledge of artificial intelligence, neural networks or robotics and an interest to work in an interdisciplinary environment will be important. The post involves international travel. We are looking for excellent programming skills, e.g. in C++, C, Python, Java etc. We are also looking for very good communication skills and teamwork, including very good knowledge of English. Knowledge of German would be desirable.

The PhD stipend is for three years (2 plus 1) and fulltime.

The university intends to increase the number of women amongst its academic personnel and encourages qualified women to apply. In compliance with the Hamburg Equal Opportunity Law, if applicants are equally qualified, preference will be given to qualified female applicants or qualified disabled applicants.

For queries or more information please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Wermter, Head of Knowledge Technology or see http://ping.fm/EzVie Application dossiers (application letter, curriculum vitae, degree certificate(s), etc.) are to be submitted electronically in a single pdf file to wermter at informatik dot uni-hamburg dot de and will be accepted until the positions are filled.
Application Deadline : 31 March 2011